"Briggs, Patricia - Sianim 2 - Steal the Dragon.text" - читать интересную книгу автора (Briggs Patricia)

attention. "The third change is the elimination of slavery within Darranian borders.
This was deemed necessary because Reth views slavery as an abomination used
only by the most barbaric of people."

He couldn't see if she had gone for his bait yet, so he rambled on to give her time
to think. "In a strange way, the last change is the one that the Darranians find most
objectionable. Slavery is not integral to their economy; slaves are merely luxuries
that only a few can afford, but they are integral to Darranian culture. Most of the
nobles of the council own several, and are loath to part with them. You, I am sure,
have a greater understanding of this than I."

The former slave bowed her head for a moment and then looked back at the
Spymaster. Ren had been waiting for a reaction and he finally got one. "Do you
know what you ask of me, Spymaster?"

"Yes," he answered. "With your help, it may be possible to eliminate slavery in
Darran. Laeth told me that you would be interested in such a mission."

The tension left her body as suddenly as it had come. In a weary voice Rialla
said, "Tell me the essentials and give me some time to think it over."

Ren leaned back in his chair, satisfied that his strategy was working. "Most of the
powerful nobles in the kingdom will be at Westhold with their entourages.
Obviously, they aren't likely to discuss their newest attempt on Lord Karsten's life. I
want you to determine who supports the alliance, who resists it andЧmost
importantlyЧwhy. Don't worry if your information seems trivial; I assure you that
the most innocent facts are capable of illumination when combined with intuition and
intelligence."

Rialla rubbed the scar on her cheek, as if to relieve some persistent ache, and
asked, "You are sure that Laeth agreed to this? For all that he has chosen to live in
Sianim, he is Darranian. For him to agree to spy, or escort a spy to his brother's
home is the worst sort of betrayal."


Ren nodded, "He agreed because of the threat to Lord Karsten."

"When would we leave?" Rialla asked neutrally.

"Five days."

She nodded and got to her feet. "I'll give you my answer tomorrow morning."
The door shut quietly behind her as she left.

Feeling numb, Rialla made her way through the busy streets to the stables where
the war horses, a source of income for Sianim second only to its mercenary services
and training, were kept. She slipped under the ancient stone archway that lead into
the stables, and allowed the familiar smells and the sounds of the horses moving
quietly in their stalls to calm her. It was lunchtime and she had the place to herself.